How does mowing affect biodiversity on Hackney Marshes?

Summary of the investigation

In this investigation, pupils use random sampling quadrat techniques to compare the plant species diversity and abiotic conditions in two distinct grassland habitats: frequently mown sports fields and rarely (bi-annual) mown grass areas. Notes are included explaining details of particular plants and how they are adapted to mowing regimes. Pupils on analysing the data should be able to apply their findings and comment on the possible effects upon biodiversity from the construction of the 2012 Olympics on part of the Hackney Marsh site.

Full support is given for pre-visit work at school, data collection in the field, and post-visit work at school to put the fieldwork in its wider context. Extensive teacher guidance, with PowerPoint presentations, a full risk assessment and detailed plan of a possible lesson sequence, are also available for download.

Need more information on techniques? Read about measuring soil hardness, measuring light levels on land and identifying plants and animals.

Resources for download

You can EITHER download all the teacher resources as a single pdf document and all the student resources as a single pdf document OR download individual resources as editable text documents